Turning local need into affordable homes: learning from what works in rural communities
Join us at two upcoming rural housing events this July to find out how parishes and communities can help deliver affordable homes for local people. Choose from an online session on 14 July or an in-person visit to Marshfield on 16 July, where you'll hear about the support available and learn from a successful community-led housing project.
Background
Rural housing is often framed as a niche issue, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Demand for housing continues to rise across England, with more than 300,000 people on waiting lists in rural areas, while affordability pressures are increasing. People living in rural areas are often seen as being objectors to new housing, however our experience of working with dozens rural communities in the South West is that people living in villages are usually supportive of new homes - if they are affordable homes to be prioritised for local people, and if local people are involved in key decisions, like the choice of site and the number of homes.
Against this backdrop, next week’s Rural Housing Week (6th to 10th July) will highlight the value of affordable housing to people living in rural communities. It provides an opportunity for housing associations, local authorities and communities to reflect on the role affordable homes play in sustaining rural areas across England and spread the word about how more rural communities can take the lead on housing projects in their villages. Throughout the week, the focus will be on how genuinely affordable housing allows people to remain in the communities where they work and have family ties, while also strengthening local services and long-term economic stability.
All of this work is supported by Rural Housing Enablers – independent specialists who work with communities, councils and landowners to identify local need and turn it into housing schemes that work for communities. These type of successful schemes highlight that when local knowledge is combined with specialist and national support, affordable rural housing is not only possible, but is already being delivered in communities.
Upcoming events
Parish councils and community groups are increasingly taking the lead on working towards these type of solutions, whether by working in partnership with a housing association or by setting up their own Community Land Trust (CLT).
We'd like to invite you to find out more about rural housing schemes, with two ways to join us:
Online session: Tuesday 14 July 2026, 6.00-7.00pm
An online session covering the options for rural parishes, and the support available from the Rural Housing Enabler at the West of England Rural Network, followed by a question and answer session. A joining link will be sent ahead of the session.
Book your place: https://buytickets.at/middlemarchcommunityledhousingcic/2273359
In-person event: Thursday 16 July 2026, 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Marshfield Church Hall, Bell Square, Marshfield, Chippenham SN14 8HS
Tea, coffee and biscuits from 1.30pm, followed by a presentation and discussion covering the options for rural parishes, and the support available from the Rural Housing Enabler at the West of England Rural Network, also hear from members of Marshfield CLT and take a walk (or short drive) up to visit 15 affordable, Passivhaus-standard homes delivered by Marshfield CLT, now completed and occupied.
Book your place: https://buytickets.at/middlemarchcommunityledhousingcic/2273308
Whether your parish is just starting to think about affordable housing or already has a project underway, both sessions are a great opportunity to learn from others and ask questions. If you'd like to see what a finished housing scheme looks like for yourself, we'd especially encourage you to join us in Marshfield.
You can find out more about the work that we do to support rural housing HERE. If you would like to have a conversation about rural housing in your community, please contact:
Alison Ward
Rural Housing Enabler